First Responders were treated to a free dinner in an elegant atmosphere at Port Clinton Bible Methodist Church on Oct. 28. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – For National First Responders Day on Oct. 28, Port Clinton Bible Methodist Church hosted a free elaborate dinner for Ottawa County’s heroes. All First Responders and their families were invited to the dinner, which was served as an expression of gratitude for their bravery and dedication to the community.

Port Clinton Fire Chief Brian Gutman was overwhelmed when he walked into the church, which looked more like a banquet hall than a church fellowship hall. Full place settings lay beautifully on white tablecloths, which were adorned with flowers, candles and fall décor.

Kim Fourman, left, and her husband, Pastor Deron Fourman, along with a lot of volunteers, honored local heroes with a free dinner on National First Responders Day. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“This was completely unexpected. We want to thank them for doing all the cooking,” Gutman said.

The guests were welcome to arrive in casual clothes or work uniforms. They were served a lasagna dinner with green beans, salad, Italian sausage sandwiches, homemade bread, a coffee bar and assorted desserts.

The event was hosted by Pastor Deron Fourman, his wife, Kim Fourman, and members of the congregation.

“We started talking about this earlier this year. We’ve done kids outreach programs, and we wondered what else we could do,” Kim said. “My brother-in-law is a state trooper, and he said there’s a First Responders Day in October, so we started planning this.”

Members of Port Clinton Bible Methodist Church served a free lasagna dinner to First Responders on Oct. 28. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Like Gutman, Port Clinton Police Chief David Scott was surprised by the atmosphere at the event.

“This is the first time I’ve been here. It’s beautiful in here,” Scott said. “I think this is wonderful.”

There was one person who wasn’t surprised by the event – Ottawa County Sheriff Stephen Levorchick. He was already familiar with the pastor’s kindness and compassion for the community.

“Isn’t this amazing?” Levorchick said. “Deron is one of my chaplains. He’s come with me to critical incidences. He’s an incredible person.”